novel technological solutions to perform wearable broadband spectroscopy

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NIRS is a prominent tool for functional brain imaging in situations where traditional neuroimaging (e.g. fMRI) isn't possible, such as intensive care or in the community. Our lab develops broadband spectroscopy techniques to perform metabolic monitoring with NIRS. This has unique applications in brain injury, autism and dementia. To facilitate the translation of these tools into the clinic, devices need to be developed to cover the whole brain that are non-invasive and wearable, to perform metabolic imaging where is it most needed. In my project, I will test and develop novel technological solutions to perform wearable broadband spectroscopy. These solutions could range from those developed in-house, existing equipment within our laboratories, or with industry. On successful demonstration of wearable single-channel on-head spectroscopy, I will pursue the development of a multichannel system for whole-head metabolic imaging. This project will involve creating new computational methods alongside experimental optics to achieve diffuse optical imaging of cerebral metabolic function. These devices will be validated with test objects which mimic biological optical properties and on healthy human volunteers. This project is in collaboration with Dr Sarah Bohndiek (VISIONLab) in the Department of Physics. This system will ultimately be deployed in the Addenbrooke's Hospital to investigate optical metabolic biomarkers of dementia with Prof John O'Brien, Department of Psychiatry.